Structure

molecular formula:C15H10Cl2N2O2

molecular weight:321.16 g/mol

Drug class: Benzodiazepine (more below)

History

Benzodiazepines were discovered by accident in 1954 by Dr. Leo Sternbach, an Austrian chemist, employed by the Hoffmann-LaRoche pharmaceutical company. His creation was thought to be a failed experiment and left on a shelf until a year later when Sternbach's colleague checked again and found the drug to be effective. In 1959, the first benzodiazepine, Chlordiazepoxide (Librium), hit the market. Ativan was later discovered and FDA approved 09/30/1977 as an anti-anxiety medication, which it still is today.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are drugs that consist of a benzene ring (left in diagram) and a diazepine ring (right in diagram) fused together with various side chains that alter each specific drug’s unique properties. They all preform the same basic actions in the brain to produce similar effects: muscle relaxation, sleepiness, and anxiety reduction.

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